Oroville is the county seat of Butte County, California. The population was 15,506 at the 2010 census, up from 13,004 at the 2000 census. The Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California is headquartered here.

The town of Gridley was named after its founder and earliest landowner, George W. Gridley. He was born in the state of New York and later moved with his parents to Galena, Illinois. In 1850, he attempted to drive sheep and cattle across the plains to California. He lost the animals, but arrived safely himself and settled in this area.

Butte County, located in Northern California. Its southern border is approximately 55 miles north of the State’s capital in Sacramento. The county is situated on the eastern side of the Sacramento Valley, extending from the Sacramento River, on its western border, east into the foothills and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

#68 For Kids’ Sake

If they’ve learned about the natural world at Chico Creek Nature Center, explored the wonders of Bidwell Park, played their way around Chico, and they’re still full of energy, then, maybe it’s time to try one of these.

From sunset and for the next three hours, Kiwanis Chico Community Observatory & Planetarium is open to the public. Located in Bidwell Park, near Horseshoe Lake parking lot, check out the planets yourself.

Known as “Childcare with an Ocean View,” Kids in Motion’s 6,000 sq. ft. wing serves children from infants through teens with over a dozen programs and is an absolute visual delight. Kids will view a 150 ft. “Under the Sea” mural; mermaid, sea turtles and octopus mosaics; and salt water aquariums (some of the largest in the Chico area).

One aquarium features a living reef with corals and other creatures. Another houses larger, more aggressive sea life. The In Motion facility also has a Kids Splash Park and 5 pools and offers yearround swim lessons. It’s no wonder that kids call it the “In Motion Ocean” and that it has become a very popular spot for birthday and pool parties.

A short hop away from Chico, in Orland, the Farm Sanctuary is a 300-acre farm that shelters, rescues, rehabilitates, and provides life-long care for hundreds of animals (cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and turkeys) every year. Open to the public for tours on Saturdays. Tours begin every hour on the hour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids Park is a childcare indoor play and party center. They offer a preschool program, arts and crafts, and games galore. They also host birthday parties. They are open seven days a week.

Two by Two Ranch & Petting Zoo is a unique educational opportunity for kids to experience a variety of animals. This zoo has mobile capabilities and attends many area events.